7 Tips for Basement Window Well Covers

If you’re looking at getting some basement window well covers for your home, here are 5 tips that may save you some time and money. Or, at least give you something to think about.

1 – Purpose

This should, of course, be one of the first things that you consider. If your goal is to keep out as much rain, snow, water as possible, then a polycarbonate cover is your best bet. If you’re going for strength, then a steel cover is the way to go. If home security is top of mind, make sure you get something that offers a lockdown system. A window well ladder is almost always a good idea regardless.

2 – Easy Egress

First, keep in mind building codes. While most places don’t have any major restrictions on actually having basement window well covers, most areas do have requirements regarding the functionality of your covers. One of the most common is to make sure that your basement window can still be used as an escape in an emergency. The last thing you want is a fire in your home, but just in case one happens, you want to be able to get out of your basement as quickly as possible so you don’t get trapped. Our covers can be easily opened from the inside so that you can get out quick.

3 – Material

The most common material used for your window well covers is steel. These are usually, but not always, some type of mesh pattern. Keep your eye out for cheap construction. Not all steels are of equal quality. Avoid flimsy steel that bends and even cracks under pressure. Polycarbonate or lexan is another popular material that is generally clear. Make sure that if this is the option you want that it’s got some additional support as it is more flexible than steel and will bend if not properly supported. We have tested different grades of steel and other materials to ensure that you get top quality covers that remain affordable.

4 – Construction

The best, strongest materials used are worthless if not constructed properly. Poor or cheap construction of basement window well covers is generally easy to spot. Ask about if the steel is coated and how? Look for jagged points in between the mesh. Cheaply constructed covers will have jagged, razor-sharp points in between all the mesh points making for an easy way for a kid to cut their hands or feet. Weak welds aren’t as easy to spot, but are important as welds are what keeps the cover together in one piece. The cover should also be symmetrical. If it looks out of order, chances are it is. We utilize the best, proprietary methods to create top notch covers for you.

5 – Need Light?

One of the reasons for the popularity of steel covers is that the diamond pattern of the mesh allows as much light to pass through as possible. They won’t allow as much light as a polycarbonate cover though. If maximum light is your goal, then a clear polycarbonate cover is the way to go. Or mix and match if certain windows don’t need as much light as others. All of our covers are designed to allow the maximum amount of sunlight through while still doing their job (hint: better materials and construction also helps with this).

6 – Installation

Get it installed right the first time. Basement window well covers can be frustrating to install. Especially if it’s a pre made cover that isn’t designed to have an exact fit for your wells. An improperly installed cover won’t do the job you want it to. It can slide off, fall in, break and just be a frustration. We include professional installation as part of our service to make sure that your covers are installed properly for maximum efficiency and also so that you don’t have to worry about taking the time to figure out how to install it and get it on properly.

7 – Guarantee

A guarantee gives you the peace of mind that you are buying quality. We offer a lifetime structural guarantee on all of our basement window well covers so that you know you’re taken care of.